Free Webinars on PACA Produce & Fresh Product Inspections

“PACA — Your Partner in Produce” The Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) is a Federal law which facilitates fair trading practices in the marketing of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables in interstate and foreign commerce. Karla Whalen, Chief of the PACA Branch of the AMS Fruit and Vegetable Programs, will be the guest speaker for the webinar. During this session, Karla will introduce the PACA Branch, detailing how PACA protects the fruit and vegetable industry and ultimately, your business. “PACA — Your Partner in Produce,” will be held on Thursday,August 26, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

“USDA Fresh Products Market Inspection Basics”Webinar speaker, Harry Fisher a senior staff member of the Fresh Products Branch within the AMS Fruit and Vegetable Programs, will provide an overview of the fresh products inspection service. Mr. Fisher will deliver a practical description of the inspection process, including topics such as how to request an inspection, interpret an inspection certificate, and appeal an inspection result. He will also briefly discuss the history of the inspection service, illustrate the value of an inspection, and outline some of the ways the inspection service anticipates industry changes. The free “USDA Fresh Products Market Inspection Basics” webinar will be held on Thursday, September 16 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Following both formal presentations, participants in the webinar will have the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers. Attendees of previous sessions have included growers, processors, packers and distributors of all sized operations and others along the produce supply chain, as well as representatives from academia and government.

To register for either event, simply fill out the enclosed registration form and fax it to Olga Kehmeier at 913-438-0690 or email to okehmeier@rbcs.com. Closer to the date of the event, Ms. Kehmeier will send you a confirmation with webinar access information.

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Beginning Farmers offers information on how to start a farm, planning a new farm, funding resources and finding land to start your farm on. We cover all areas of farming from raising chickens and goats to mushroom production, and urban farms to business farming. Internships and employment opportunities posted regularly.